Elizabeth Conradie School makes a splash after five-year hiatus
KIMBERLEY’S Elizabeth Conradie School marked a special milestone with the recent reopening of its swimming pool, hosting its first official gala in far too many years.
Sanctioned by the Northern Cape Aquatics Sports Association, the Elcon Short Course Gala offered race distances of 200m or less in the school’s 25-metre pool and brought together nine swimming clubs and their supporters to celebrate the school’s new era in aquatics.
School principal Martha van Zyl pushed the drive to revive the pool thanks to a deep desire to restore the pool to its former glory. With a vision to provide therapeutic opportunities and eventually develop classified disabled swimmers for participation in the SA Nationals for the physically disabled, Van Zyl and her team dedicated significant time, resources, and hard work to the renovations.
Deputy principal Johan van Zyl said that their aim was not only to provide therapy to students who needed it but to also introduce swimming as a core part of their physical education programme. After substantial financial investment and hard work, the pool was officially reopened with a recent Polar Splash, signalling the start of things to come for the school.
The deputy principal told the DFA that the school has been proactive in creating a sustainable swimming programme. Through networking with Flamingo Aquatics in Kimberley, two teachers recently completed their Learn to Swim (LTS) theory training and are now finalising their practical hours to become qualified LTS instructors.
He said that fund-raising for pool maintenance was another key reason for organising the gala. The school aims to ensure the pool is properly maintained for future events and remains an integral part of the educational experience.
He expressed special gratitude to SGB parent members Donne Hunt and Celia Harms, who played a critical role in the event’s success. “Without their planning, organising, pool preparation, and overall management, the gala would not have been possible,” Van Zyl noted.
Van Zyl also extended thanks to Nashua, the primary sponsor, along with other sponsors who contributed to the day’s success. “Your support was invaluable and has set a foundation for what we hope will be many more events to come,” he added.
With the pool now in operation, Elizabeth Conradie School is optimistic about developing a strong swimming culture that will benefit its students, including those who may pursue competitive swimming in adapted sports.
The school’s journey to make swimming a key discipline marks a significant achievement, ensuring that all students can engage in and benefit from aquatic sports.
